As European Union and African Union leaders meet in Angola, the European Commission announced on Monday, that it will provide €143 million (US$ 165 million) in humanitarian aid, responding to continued pressure on relief operations across several crisis zones. The emergency funding will support food assistance, water and sanitation, as well as access to healthcare, helping the most vulnerable communities meet their basic needs.
“The EU is stepping up at a moment when global attention is shifting and humanitarian needs remain high,” said Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.
“This funding shows that we stay engaged in the places where pressure is rising and support is essential. We will keep holding the line alongside the partners who are working under the heaviest strain.”
Today's allocations include €2.5 million ($2.89 million) for aid in the Central African Republic; €8 million ($9.2 million) for Nigeria; €30 million ($34.6 million) for Ethiopia; €30 million ($34.6 million) for Somalia; €35 million ($40 million) for South Sudan; and €38 million ($44 million) for the Central Sahel countries.
Africa is facing its most severe hunger crisis in decades. Multiple regions on the continent continue to experience severe humanitarian emergencies caused by conflict, displacement, and limited access to essential services. These crises have led millions of people to flee their homes in search of safety.
As of 2025, the EU is poised to become the world's leading donor of humanitarian aid. It has maintained steady funding for crises unfolding while the United States and Germany have brutally slashed their contributions, leaving millions in urgent need of lifesaving assistance without support.
Each year, a few governments and international or supranational organizations provide most of the world's humanitarian funding. For years, the United States was the world's leading international humanitarian donor, followed by Germany and the EU.
In 2025, however, this changed dramatically. The EU temporarily surpassed the United States for several months and currently stands neck and neck with the US, both accounting for 14.7% and 14.9%, respectively, of global funding.
This follows the sharp drop in the US's share of global funding from over 40 percent in 2024. Following severe budget cuts, Germany lost its second-place position.
The EU delivers its humanitarian assistance in partnership with UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Red Cross societies, and international organizations. In the case of humanitarian aid, the Commission shares competence with EU member states.